Thursday, August 23, 2012

Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi

Values to Treasure

Her mother, an on the run criminal, her father, in and out
of jail, Berdie Kaminski, finds herself on her own, at the age of sixteen. The
only way she knows how to survive is to use her skills as a petty thief.

Berdie is aware of a treasure hidden in Liberty, Ohio, since
the Civil War. She has a clue from her ancestors that will guarantee she finds
the treasure – rubies. Being a thief, Berdie travels to Liberty to steal the treasure.

Lacking formal education, but possessing street smarts,
Berdie can handle herself well. Because of her upbringing, she has trust issues,
to say the least. Initially, she is guarded with everyone she meets in Liberty.
But after living and working there, while searching for the clue that would
change her life, she starts to warm up to the town and its people.

Berdie thinks maybe there is hope for her and she can change
her ways. Deep inside, she wants to be a respectable person, and relinquish her
life of crime. While searching, she discovers information about a freedwoman, named
Justice Postell, and Berdie considers her a role model. Postell gives her hope
to change her criminal ways.

Treasure Me has
the most remarkable characters. The women who work at The Second Chance Grill
are eccentric and fun. Christine Nolfi develops each character to relate to Birdie
in their own way, making it a pleasure to enjoy the individuality of the characters.

Birdie has a love interest, which she struggles with because
of her past, and Hugh is a very complicated man. It’s great fun to follow their
relationship.

Treasure Me is an
easy read as it flows smoothly from beginning to end. The characters are
memorable, especially Theodora, whose character has an unpredictable twist at
the end!

What does the title, Treasure
Me, signify? Does Berdie find the
rubies and change her life? Does she leave Liberty? Does she learn the value of
true friendship and family?

I recommend readers of all ages, who enjoy mysteries, and a
bit of romance, to read, Treasure Me,
by Christine Nolfi.